PR 

l-oool 

AvsH 




Book. n^S^ 7^3 




Clascal 23runo. 



Pascal. My good friend, when next you fire at me, load 
with a silver bullet, leaden ones have a trick of flattenin."- 
themselves against my body. Did not I tell you yesterday 
that twelve common bullets would not perforate beyond my 
jacket. How could you be so silly as to think to produce 
any effect with one ? 






ACT II, SCENE I. 



( 



PASCAL BRUNO; 

A BURLETTA, -TTZTT^ 



GILBERT ABBOTT A'BECKETT, Esa. 

Author of *' The Black Domino^' '* The Postilion/' *' The 
Assignation t'* '* T/^e French Compamjf'* S^c. <^c. 



I'RINTED FROM THE ACTING COPY, WITH DESCRIPTION OF 

THE COSTUME, CAST OF lilE CHARACTERS, EXITS 

AND ENTRANCES, AND THE WHOLE OF THE 

BUSINESS. 

As performed at the 
THEATRE ROYAL ST. JAMESES. 



WITH A CORRECT ILLUSTRATION OF ONE OF THE 
PBINCIPAL SCENES. 



I 



2lont)on : 

Fublished for the Proprietor by 

\V. STRANGE. 21. PATERNOSTER ROW, 

ST. PAULS' CHURCH YARD ; 

TURNER AND FISHER, NEW YORK AND PHILADELI'H I A , 
VNITED STATES. 

1838 



Q^a^t of ©l^atactctg. 



First Performed at the Theatre Royal St. James's, Tuetday, 
December 26th, 1831. 

Pascal Bruno Mrs, Stirling. 

Prince Butera .... Mr. Brookes. 

Count Carini Mr. Sidney. 

Paoli Tommasi Mr. J. Webster. 

Captain Alterville Mr. Wright. 

Ali Mr. HoUingsworth 

Giacomo Mr. A. Guibilei. 

Peasants y Carbineers ^c. 

Countess Gemma Miss Allison. 

Teresa Miss Stuart. 

Ladies, S^c. 



Notice. — Though the part of the hero {Pascal Bruno,) 
was played with the greatest ability by Mas. Stirling, 
still it is by no means essential that the character should 
be represented by a lady. In casting the piece in the 
provinces the part should be assigned to the principal 
mclo- dramatic actor. 



Costume- 



PRINCE BUTERA. —Brown court suit— star— three 
cornered cocked hat — cloak. 

COUNT CARINI.— Handsome blue uniform— star- 
scarlet trousers — cocked hat and dark plume. 

CAPTAIN ALTERVILLE.— Green and gold uniform 
coat — white smallclothes — large boots — cocked hat — 
long red feather — padding. 

PASCAL BRUNO.— Plumb coloured Brigand coat, trim- 
med with gold — do. smallclothes — striped silk waistcoat 
— medals — brown velvet conical hat — canvas gaiters and 
cross garters. 

PAOLT TOMMASI —Blue uniform— white trousers- 
brown forage cap. 

GIACOMO. — Old fashioned brown coat — black small- 
cloths — plain white waistcoat — blue stockings — shoes 
and bluckles. 

GERONYMO.— Blue uniform— white trousers. 

CARLO. — Bare arnis — black vest, edged with red — black 
smallclothes — canvas gaiters — bear skin over his 
shoulder. 

SOLDIERS. — Blue uniforms — white trousers. 

GEMMA. — White and pink satin — chaplet of pearls, and 
feathers. 

TERESA. — White muslin trimmed wiih blue. 

GUESTS, &c.— Fancy ball and masquerade dresses. 



PASCAL BRUNO. 



ACT I. 



SCENE I. — A Chamhery 1uindso?nely furnished — A large 
French window in centre, hacked hy balustrades, and a 
moonlight view — A small window l.u.e. Doors r.u.e. 
and L.U.E. — A table r. on which are lights — A mirror — 
Also a small bell — Chairs, and a sofa. 

Gemma discolored on the sofa, she rings the bell. 
Enter Teresa, door r. 

Gemma. (Turning round,) Is that Teresa? Will this 
serocca last for ever ? 

Teresa. Pardon, my lady, it has subsided. People begin 
to breathe again. 

Gem. Bring me some fruit — some ice, and above all some 
air. 

Teresa places refreshment mi the table, then opens centre 
U'indouK 

Ter. Look, Countess, we shall have fine weather to- 
morrow. 

Gem, Ah, the breeze refreshes me. (Rises.) Give mc 
your arm. Teresa, I will endeavour to reach the window. 
{Leaning on Teresa., goes towards it,) Ah, this delightful 
air restores me 1 (She comes foruard, Teresa opens w/ndow 
L.) Is the Count returned from Montreal ^ 

Ter. Not yet, madam. 

Gem, 1 do not regret his absence, I would rather ho 



8 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. 

should not find me looking so wretchedly pale and ill as I 
am sure I do. 

Ter. I never saw your ladyship look more beautiful ; 
well may all the ladies of Palermo be jealous of you. 

Gem. It certainly is very pleasant to live in Palermo, 
but I cannot be perfectly happy, unless I see happiness in 
those around me. You are to be married shortly, are you 
not ? 

Ter. (Sighing.) I am, madam. 

Gem. You sigh, as if your heart and hand were not to go 
together. Do you not love Paolo Tommaso, the young 
Brigadier ? 

2'er. Oh, yes, my lady, and know he will make me a 
good husband, and do all in his power to make me happy. 
Gem. Then why do you sigh .'' 

Ter. When your ladyship sent for me from my native 
village, I was on the eve of marriage to a young man of 
Bauso. 

Gem. Why did you not tell me this before } I am sure 
the Count would have taken him into his household. 

Ter. I should not have wished that. I do not dislike 
him, but T do not love him. It is only fear that makes 
me think of him. Besides he is too proud to be a servant. 
Gem. Indeed ! — To proud ! Perhaps he is some noble- 
man in disguise ? 

Ter, No, my lady, he is a simple mountaineer. 
Gem. And pray what may be his name ? 
Ter. Oh, you would not know him if I told your lady- 
ship, and besides, I do not wish it to be mentioned. 
Gem, And do you. lament his loss ? 
Ter. I pity him, and fear that he may not calmly sub- 
mit to my marrying another. I confess I sometimes trem- 
ble at the thought of it ; but under the protection of so 
kind a lady as yourself, why should I fear ? 

Gem, And yet I am accused of pride and arrogance. But 
it is envy I They who affect to dispise me, envy me the 
affections of the Viceroy. Yet all their efforts to alienate 
the love of the Count Carini, are vain. He praises my 
beauty, and so do you, flatterer. 

Ter. There is one greaterer flatterer than either of us. 
Gem. Indeed ! and who may that be } 
Ter. Your looking-glass, madam. 



SCENE I.J PASCAL BRUNO. 9 

Gem. Silly child 1 Leave me. (Teresa clQ&e% icinduwy l.) 

[L>iV at door. 
Gemma sUs at table r. with her haok to the window in c. and 
looks into the mirror. 

Gem. It is a lovely night — Teresa is right, the glass is a 
flatterer. Are these the stars I see reflected in it, or are 
they my own eyes. I shall become vain if 1 look often 
here. ( Turns htr head away.) 

Pascal Bruno enters by the wiJidow in c. Goes behind 
Gemma's chair, and looks over her shoulder into the glass. 

I shall at least satisfy myself that Teresa did not merely 
flatter me. i^She looks in the glass, sees Pascal Bruno, 
screams and rushes forwa7^d, he aduances and kneels to her,) 

Pascal. For mercy's sake spare me. Fear nothing, I 
came not here to harm you. (Gemma goes towards the table 
to take up bell.) I implore you to give no alarm. Assure 
yourself of perfect safety. I have come hither to make a 
request, grant me that, and I will worship you for your 
goodness. 

Gem. What is the nature of your request } and why have 
you broken in upon me at such a time as this .'* 

Pas. Forgive me, lady, had I presumed to ask an inter- 
view, you would probably not have condescended to accede 
to such a petition, coming from a poor, unknown person. 

Gem. Tell me then, at once, what it is you require of me ? 

Pas. In your keeping, madam, are my hopes, my feara, 
my happiness, my misery, my life, my death ! 

Geiti. Explain ! 

Pas, You have in your service a young woman from 
Bauso "i 

Gem. Teresa? 

Pas. Yes, Teresa, she is, I hear, on the eve of marriage 
with another. I was on the point of marrying her, when 
you summoned l;er hither — I have waited for her many 
months — I expected her day by day — I watched for her 
night be night — I wandered east, and west, and south, and 
north, and again returned to Bauso, in quest of her. On 
my arrival at Palermo, I learnt the truth, and have come 
to throw myself at your feet, and implore you to give me 
back the loved one of my heart. 



10 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. 

Gem. I cannot part with Teresa, I am very fond of her, 
besides, she is useful to me ; by her marrying one who is 
continually near the person of the Count Carini, she will 
remain with me. 

Pas, If entering the Count's service be the required con- 
dition of my happiness, I, yes I, am ready to become his 
servant. 

Gem. Teresa told me you would never accept such a 
situation. 

Pas. Teresa is right, she knows my feelings, but cannot 
appreciate the extent of my love. For her I will make the 
sacrifice ! 

Gem, I will mention you to the Count, and perhaps, if 
he should consent 

Pas. If he should consent ? The world knows that your 
will is his law — Your wishes are to him commands. 

Gem, But what security have I for your character? 

Pas. My eternal gratitude I 

Gem. Still I must know who you are ? The Count will 
naturally ask your name. 

Pas. Why should he ? The name of a humble peasant 
from Bauso, cannot be of much consequence to him. 

Gem. Without knowing your name, it will be impossible 
forme to do you the least service. 

Pas, I entreat, I warn you not to press me upon that 
point. 

Gem, I must insist on my condition. Tell me your name, 
or go. 

Pas. It is then --Pascal Bruno I 

Gem. Pascal Bruno 1 the son of the culprit Antonio 
Bruno, whose head is ?till exposed in the market-place of 
Bauso ? 

Pas. I am his son ! 

Gem. Are you aware why his head is so exposed ? Know 
you not that your father attempted to murder mine ? 

Pas. 1 know that. But I will tell you that which you 
do not know — Your father dishonoured mine 1 

Gem. 'Tis false I 

Pas. 'Tis true ! — I swear 'tis true I My mother was 
virtuous and beautiful, the Count, your father, persecuted 
her with professions of love, and threats of revenge, which 
she alike spurned. One day, in my father's absence, she 



SCENE l] PASCAL BRUNO. 11 

was seized by four menials, and dragged by force to his 
palace. 

(ie7n. Well, ,^ir, the Count, my father, was lord nnd 
master of Bauso — its inhabitants were his serfs — all they 
held were his. It was an honour for a peasant to be no- 
ticed by such a man. 

Pai{. No matter ! my father thought otherwise — He 
stabbed your's, the wound was not mortal, but he was exe- 
cuted as a murderer 1 

Gem. And your uncles were condemned to the galleys. 
Pas. They were, for giving shelter to him. As for me, 
I was seized too, but being only a child, they restored me 
to my mother. 

Gem, And she ? 

Pas. Is dead ! It was at her grave I swore to be re- 
venged on you, the last of the tyrant's family, by whom we 
have been crushed. But my love has overcome all other 
feelings, and here am I a suppliant for the bounty of one 
whom I ought never to have approached but as a deadly 
foe. 

Gem. You must be aware of the circumstances you have 
just referred to, presents an insurmountable obstacle to 
your admission into the Count's household. 

Pas. And why, if he who seeks admission is willing to 
forget how all this disgrace arose ? 

Gem. You must be mad to imagine the possibility of 
such a thing. 

Pas. Madam, you know how sacred an oath is to a 
mountaineer. I tell you I have one registered in heaven — 
1 am ready to forget all — Revenge is sweet, do not then 
force me to remember. 
Gem. And if I should? 
Pas. I will not think of what might happen. 
Gem. It will be merely necessary to take precautions, 

which 

Pas. Nay, if you refuse, tremble lest there should 
crowd into my memory the galleys where my uncles lan- 
guish; the scaffold, wkere my father died ; the unconsecrat- 
ed grave, where my poor mother sleeps — Couniess, I say, 
beware ! 

A whistle is heard at hark, 
( As;dc.) It is Ali's signal 



J^ PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. 

A hell rings without. 

Gem, Ha I Tis the Count I 

Pas. I know it is, madam. You have yet time to pro- 
nounce the monosyllable — ** Yes!" 

Gem. Let me pass. {She goes towards the door^ Pascal 
runs before her and bolts it,) Dare you detain me, sir .^ (She 
seizes the bell.) Help ! help ! 

Pas. Be silent, madam, I have said I will do you no 
harm. (A whistle is heard beneath the window.) Right, Ali, 
my faithful boy, I hear the Prince's step in the corridor. 
Madam, a moment yet remains, a second more, and you 
will be too late. It is in your power to prevent a list of 
evils I 

Gem. Help! help! Rodolfo ! 

Pas. You have neither heart, soul, or pity, (He seizes 
her.) You are cold, cruel (Loud knocking at the door. J 

Gem. Help I I am the prisoner of one who threatens my 
life! 

Pa^. I do not threaten — I still entreat — But if it must 
he so — and you will not. — {He seizes her in his arms, draws 
a dagger. The door is burst open. A pistol is fired — 

Prince Carini enters, and catches Gemma in his arms. He 
places her on the sofa. Enter Attendants — Pascal Bruno 
leaps from the window. 

Gem. Where is he ? 

Count. I know not. I fancy I must have missed him. I 
saw him leap from the window, but seeing you insensible — 
I cared for nothing but to assure myself of your safety, 
{Looking about.) Perhaps he was wounded. 

Gem. Wounded, or not, dying, or dead, let him be taken 
— He would have murdered me, and till he is secured I 
cannot rest. 

Count. He shall be taken. (To Attendants.) Let the pur- 
suit proceed with double vigilance. A thousand crowns for 
the villain, dead or alive I 

Gem. Aye, twice that sum 1 I shall not have a tranquil 
moment till I can smile upon his tortures, and taunt him, 
in his dying agonies, with his insolent threats to me. 

Count. That gratification shall soon be prepared for you- 

On to the pursuit ! [_Ea!it Attendants by the window. 

The scene closes in on Count and Gemma. 



SCENE II.] PASCAL DRUNO. 13 

SCENE II.— yl Handsome Clumiher. 

Enter Prince Butera and Captain Alterville, follcrwcxrhy two 
Peasants^ r. 

Alterville. Keep off, you base plebians ; you beggars 
would ruin his Excellency liere by your petitions. Do you 
think that Prince Butera is made of gold? I, Captain 
Altei'ville, am obliged to dine with him every day, to pre- 
vent his being molested. {Aiside.) By any one but 
myself. 

Prince, The Captain is quite right, I can't be giving all 
day long. 

Alter, No, we can't be giving all day. If I were not to 
keep my eye upon his Excellency, he would not have a 
Piastre left, and then how could he give dinners, and keep 
open house, and see his friends — Get along 1 

\st, Peasant, Oh, your Excellency, I've got five 
cliildren ! 

Alter. What's that to us ? — the're none of them ours ! 
(7b Prince.) Poor creature! — five children I — We can't 
shut our ears to that — Give me your purse. 

Prince. {Givhig it,) There it is; but don't let them 
know I gave anything. 

Alter. Not on any account — Here fellow, I don't mind 
giving you a trifle. {Gives a piece of money out of the purse, 
and then puts the purse in his pocket.) 

2nd, Peasayit. Prince, I have had no bread to eat these 
two days. 

Alter. No bread 1 What is that to us ? We are not 
bakers. 

Prince. The Captain is quite right, go to the baker. 
(^s/(Ze ^0 Alterville.) But its no use going there without 
money. 

Alter. No more it is. 

Prince. (To Alterville giving a purse.) Give the poor 
devil that, but don't let him know I gave it, or I shall be 
hunted to death. 

Alter. {Taking the purse.) Certainly not. {Aside.) He 
can't want all this for bread. There, fellow, take that, 
{Gives a ])iece from the purse, and puts the purse in his 
jyjcket.) and don't let his Excellency see your face again. 



14 PASCAL BRCNO. [aCT I. 

Now get along, no purse can stand against the importuni- 
ties of such a set, who have the audacity to want to eat, 
when they know they have no money in their pockets to 
warrant a wish so presumptions. 
Feasants. You are too good, sir. 

Alter. I know I am, and you are too bad, so be off, and 
if you must starve, be good enough to do so in the streets, 
that's the proper place for those kind of things. 

\_Exit Peasants, l. 
Prince, I think. Captain, you are a little too hard upon 
the poor creatures ? 

Alter. Not at all, my dear Prince, these fellows would eat 
you out of house and home. It is necessary that your be- 
nevloence should be tempered by my discretion. 1 don't 
mind your giving, but I can't bear to see you robbed. 

Prince. No, very tr-ue. Talking of robbing, my Major- 
Domo complains to me that every day, after dinner, some 
of the plate is missing. Now you dine with me every day, 
did you ever observe anyone on whom you think suspi- 
cion might light } 

Alter. {Aside.) He can't mean me. Why, to tell you 
the truth, I think you are a little too indiscriminate in the 
admission of your guests ; but I cant think any one would 
be guilty. 

Prince. My Major-Domo, tells me that the silver just 
about where you sit at table, is always removed. 

Alter. Ah, well, I think there was a shabby-looking fel- 
low next me the other day. Yes, he was close at my side — 
yes, it must have been so — That was the thief, he wag next 
me. 

Prmc:. Well, its very odd, my Major-Domo told me he 
thought you was next to a rogue. 

Alter. Ah, did he. Well, there's no knowing, if you 
will keep open house ; there's no knowing what you 
let in. 

Prince. Or, v/hat you let out ; but whoever the villain 
is, so long as he carries off only his own fork and spoon, I 
have nothing to say. When he begins to carry off more 
than one every day, I shall feel it necessary to do some- 
thing. 

Alter. Ah, ah, very right. As for me, I never notice 
whether the fork I use is silver or not. 



SCENE II.] PASCAL BRUNO. 15 

Prince. Yes, I know that ; in fact, my Major-D^mo 
tells me that he thinks you are rather inclined to steel. 

Alter, Oh, does he ! Yes, perhaps I may be. {Aside. ^ 
He surely cannot mean any thing, it would be awkward if 
he did, for, I believe, I've got my yesterday's fork and 
spoon in my pocket. I'd better go, I think. 

Prinoe. For what I know it may be Pascal Bruno, who 
comes disguised every day to my table. 

Alter. I should not at all wonder, I should like to de- 
nounce the villain. I'll go and try to find him, (Crosses 
to R.) and if I catch him, I'll bring him to you. 

Priyice. Oh, thank you; my Major-Domo says, that 
whenever the pilferer is caught, you will come with him. 

Alter, He flatters me. {Aside.) I could not take the 
trouble of dining every day with such a twaddle, but his 
silver has great weight. Good bye, Prince, I shall look in 
at dinner time. [ExU r. 

Prinee, I don't doubt it ! I think if the Captain were 
to die, his ghost would give me the favour of his company 
to dinner. 

Enter Giacomo, r. 

Ha, Giacomo, your friend, the Captain, has just left me. 

Giacomo, I met him, your Excellency, I gave him a look 
of lightning as he passed me. 

, Prince, A look of lightning .' If it had been forked 
lightning, he would have felt it doubly perhaps. 

Gia. I know I shall, some day, take him in the fact, 
Every piece of silver put before him seems turned into 
quicksilver, for it runs away with surprising celerity. 

Prince. Poor fellow, even if it is as you suspect, what's 
a poor creature to do on his half- pay .'' 

Gia, Why, he should not draw upon your plate chest for 
the remedies ; he ought to be content with getting his board 
from you, and might levy contributions elsewhere for his 
I other expenses. But I'll catch him yet ; I beg your Ex- 
cellency's pardon, here is a letter. 

Prince, {Opening and reading it.) This is a strange let- 
ter. I thought I did not know the hand, 'tis signed Pascal 
, Bruno. 

I Gio. Its a hoax of Captain Alterville's, to make you think 
ithat Pascal Bruno is the thief. 



]6 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT I. 

Prince. No, this letter relates to something more than a 
few spoons. Pascal Bruno writes for the loan of 200 ounces 
of gold. 

Gia. The villain ! I hope you'll oblige him with an 
ounce of lead instead ? 

Prince. He says I must bury it in the ground in a parti- 
cular spot on the mountain. 

Gia. The impertinent vagabond ! — Of course, your Ex- 
cellency won't do any such thing } 

Prince. Certainly not ! 

Oia. I knew your Excellency wouldn't. 

Prince. Because I shall take him the money myself. 

Gia. What, give two hundred ounces of gold to Pascal 
Bruno ? 

Prince. He does not say give, he asks me to lend. 

Gia. And do you think you 11 ever get it again } 

Prince, I may, or I may not. But he asks it, as he says 
to rebuild the house of an honest innkeeper at Banso,which 
has been accidentally burnt down. 

Gia. And do you think Pascal Bruno would do such a 
good action } You know what a villain he is. 

Prince. If he is a villain, and is inclined to do one good 
action, he should not be deterred from it by want of 
means. 

G.a. But why should such a villain rebuild the inn- 
keeper's house with your money? Who would know it 
was your act of benevolence ? 

Prmce. Charity should not stop to examine the publicity 
of the channels through which it must pass. Pascal Bruno 
shall have the money, and if he can do any good with it, so 
much the better, I'll not prevent him. llixeunth. 

SCENE III. — The Mountaiiis — A winding path up to the 
hack of the stage. ' 

Enter Pascal a?zc? Ali, r.u.e. 

Pas. Well, Ali, my boy, thanks to your watchfulness^ I 
escaped, and just in time too, for they lost not a moment in 
pursuing me. 

AJA. I fear you are still in danger, even here. 

Pas. It is here that I expect some money to be deposit- 



I 



SCENE III.] PASCAL BRUNO. 1/ 

edfor me, I have written to the Prince Butera for a loan, 
which I do not think he will refuse. 

Ali. {Who has been looking off, r.) I think there are a 
party of brigadiers ascending the mountain. 

Pas. Are there many of them ? 

Ali. At least, a dozen ! 

Pas, ,We had perhaps better not confront them — It 
would be willfully throwing away our lives, and as I thiiik 
both may be useful to us for some time longer, we may as 
well retire up the mountain, from the summit of which we 
can observe their movements ; but some one comes. 

Enter Prince Butera, wrapjoed in a cloak, r. 

(7b Ali.) You go forward, and give the signal if there 
should be any de ign to overpower me by numbers. My 
rifle is a match for one enemy. Do as I bid you, and take 
care I am not surprised by more than one. 

Exit Ali up the mountain. Prince Butera walks holdy up to 

Pascal. 
Who's there ? 

Prinee. A man ! Did you expect your money would come 
here by itself? 

Pas. No ; but I did not expect that he who brought it 
hither, would have had the courage to wait for me to come 
and receive it. 

Prince. Then you know less of the Prince Butera than I 
thought. 

Pas. What, sir ? {Bowing.') Can it be possible that 
your highness has condescended to come yourself? 

Pdince. Yes, Ihave. I have heard much of your exploits, 
and knowing the skill and bravery you display in a bad 
cause, I thought it possible you might be useful in a good 
one. 

Pas. Any thing in reason I am prepared to listen to. 

Prince. Will you leave your roving life, and enter the 
regular service, with the rank of captain? I will answer 
for your commission, and undertake to raise a company on 
my own estates. 

Pas. Prince, I thank you, your offer is noble ; but I 
hare sworn to be revenged. Till the oath I have made, 
has been redeemed, I cannot listen to your proposal. 



18 PASCAL BRUNO. [ACT I. 

Prince. Do as you like — go to the devil your own way ! 
There is the purse, only take care that you don't get your- 
self hanged before my door ! All the gentlemen of your 
profession swing before my house. It is no pleasant sight 
at any time, and the agreeableness of the exhibition would 
not at all be encreased by your appearance there. 

Pas. (Taking the purse.) Prince ; this purse is heavy. 

Prince. To be sure it is. Do you think I would let a 
fellow like you, dictate to me what ought to be the extent 
of my liberality.'* You asked for two hundred ounces, I 
have brought three hundred. 

Pas. Whatever you have brought shall be faithfully re- 
turned to you. 

Prince. Psha ! I am not an usurer, I never lend, I always 
give. 

Pas. And I borrow, or steal, but never beg ! I asked 
this as a loan ; take back your purse, Prince, I shall apply 
elsewhere. 

Prince. Well, you certainly are the most punctilious 
bandit I ever happened to meet with, However, settle the 
affair with your own conscience, and call it a loan if you 
please, for I must get home. 

Pas. Good night, Prince 1 

Prinee. Good night, Pascal I [Ea'iVr.u.e. 

Enter Ali, l. 

Ali. The party of Brigadiers are coming this way, quick, 
let us ascend the mountain. 

Pas. Why, as I have three hundred ounces of gold in 
my possession, intended to rebuild the poor inkeeper*s 
house, I cannot risk the falling into the hands of the Briga- 
dier sat present. [Pascal and Ali go up the mountain. 

Enter Paolo Tommasi, Geronymo, Placido, and ten other 
Brigadiers. 

Paolo. Now, my boys, I think this Pascal Bruno is safe 
in our power. He has been watched into the mountains, 
and we have only to wait cur opportunity. We have had a 
long march, and may as well pile our arms and rest a little 
while. {They pile their arms. Ali appears and listens.) 
Come, my friends, while we rest here for a time, is there 
one of you who can give us a song ? Geronymo, you will 



SCENE III.] PASCAL BRUNO. 19 

oblige us ? In the mean time, let each take a drop from 
his flask to warm us for the enterprise, for he cannot escape 
us now, 

All. (Aside at back.) Don't be too sure of that. 

Poo, Come Geronymo, a song. 

All. Aye ! aye ! a song ! ( T/ie men seat themselves , and 
tap theinv'^ine Jlasks, and while the song is bemgsung, Ali draws 
the bullets from the carbines.) 

Sony. — Geronymo introduced. 

All. Bravo I bravo! 

Ali. (At hack.) Ah! bravo! I've done it ! he's saved I 

PttG. (Turning round.) Who is saved ^ (To Ali.) What 
have you done ? Who are you } 

Ali. I've done nothing ! 

Geronymo. I saw him I he had one of our carbines in his 
hand ! He meant to murder us ! 

Ah. ''Meant to murder us ! " A little fellow like me, 
terrify twelve great fellows like you ! What can you fear 
from me ? 

Pao. You may be an imp of mischief for what we know. 
What were you doing with the carbine } It isn't because 
you are little that you may not do a great deal of harm. 
The smallest spark may set fire to a train, and so my little 
spark the sooner we extinguish you the better. ( They all 
sieze their carbines and form r.) 

Ali, (Runs up to the first platform y then stands fearlessly.) 
Fire away, I'm not afraid ! 
Pascal Bruno comes from behind a projecting piece of rock\ 
aJid stands before Ali. 

Pas. Cowards ! There are twelve of you, and I am one I 
Your twelve carbines can only take my life once. I will 
take care to have one of your's. Now fire 1 ( The Briga- 
diers one? Pascal all fire at once — Paolo falls — the Brigadiers 
rush off — Pascal and Ali advance.) 

Pas. Why how is this ? lam not hit, Ali; they have not 
wounded you my boy ? 

AH. No ; I caught the bullets in my hand — here they 
are 1 

Pas. ( TaAing them.) Explain this mystery ! 

Ali. While their backi wer« turned, as they were drawing 



20 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT T. 

their corks from their wine flasks, I was drawing the bul- 
lets from their carbines. 

Pao. (Who is on the ground, r.) Help! helpl I'm 
wounded ! 

Pas, A poor fellow wounded ! we must carry him with 
us to the fortress, and give him every assistance. Come 
friend, are you killed? [Assists him to rise.) 

Pao. Only a wound in my arm. But I should rather 
ask you, how you can be alive. Our carbines were all 
loaded, and none missed fire. 

Pas. Not one. Here the bullets are : six, eight, ten, 
twelve. There must have been twelve of you ! 
Pao, That was the number of our party. 
Pas. It is no use to fire at Pascal Bruno with such 
things as these ; when next you attempt my life, let it be 
with something better than mere bullets. I have a charm 
that protects me against these trifles. 
Pao. You must be the devil himself. 
Pas. Your companions seem to think so, for they ran 
away as if I had been one, when they saw the effects of 
their fire. However, you are wounded and I must beg of 
you to accept an asylum from me 'till you recover. 

Pao. If I had the power, I should answer your invita- 
tion in a manner you might not relish. As it is I accept 
it, because I can't help it. 

Pas. You shall depart insafety, when you have recovered 
from your wounds. 

Pao. When I do recover, I don't think it would be pru- 
dent of you to suff"er me to remain ; for however I may 
value your generosity, my duty as a soldier, compels me to 
say, I shall take your life on the very first opportunity that 
presents itself. 

Pas. Ha I ha I ha ! Don't you know that Pascal Bruno 
is invulnerable. The bullets of twelve Brigadiers could not 
penetrate deeper than his pocket. Come, you will need 
repose, for your exertions have been great, tho' unsuccessful. 
{Music. — Pascal and Ali assist Paolo. — they ascend the moutk- 
tain.) 

End of Act I. 



SCBNJt I.] PASCAL BRUNO. '' 21 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — A room m Pascal's fortress, — a window l,, — 
cupboard l. — » bed, table ^ seats. — a carbine resting by the 
bed. 

Paolo discovered on the bed, 

Paolo. (Rising.) Well, I believe I have slept pretty well 
and as my wound is but slight, if Pascal Bruno only keeps 
his word with me, I shall be able to set out shortly. I 
think that if he knew I was his successful rival for the 
hand of Teresa, he would not have let me sleep here so 
peaceably as I have done : or rather he would have taken; 
care I did not wake again in a huri'y. I gave him fair 
warning that I would do my best to take any advantage of 
him, and I will. (Looks out of window.) Is there any chance 
of leaving by this window, and bringing a force upon him 
unawares? No, it is too high. {Sees carbine.) Hal my 
carbine I Well, I did not think Pascal Bruno would have 
been so very negligent as to have left me that. There is 
no one watching. {Takes carbine up.) My faithful weapon 
ha& often done me good service. {Opens pan ) Ah, the 
priming still here I {Tries the barrel.) It remains loaded. 
Now then I am safe and sure of my revenge. {Puts carbine 
down.) Some one comes I {Throws himself o^i the bed^ and 
pretends to sleep.) 

Enter Pascal l. He goes to the cupboard l., takes two bot- 
tles, two glasses, tivoplates, dish of meat ^ bread, c^'C, out, and 
places them on the table, he then goes to the window, and 
stands carelessly look i? eg out of it. Paolo cautiously rises, 
takes his carbine, and after a momenVs deliberation fires — he 
looks to see the tffe-it of his shot. — Pascal picks up something 
from the floor, which he examines at the candle. 

PascAil. My good friend, when next you fire at mc, load 
with a silver bullet, leaden ones have a trick of flattening 
themselves against my body. Did not I tell you yestarday 
that twelve common bullets would not perforate beyond my 
jacket. How could you be so liliy as to think to produce 
anv effect with one ? 



22 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT II 

Pao, I could not have believed this ! 

Pas. You would have believed it, if you had profited by 
yesterday's experience. But come, I am getting very hun- 
gry, and I could not be so uncivil in my own house, as to 
go to supper without my visitor. Don't you hear me I 
{Fills the glasses — sits.) 

Pao. (Sitting r. and taking the glass.) Well, since I am 
unable to kill you, I will drink with you,though you be the 
devil himself I 

Po. What do you call yourself? 

Pao. Why do you ask ? 

Pas. Because I want to make you a promise. 

Pao, If I were to give you my name, you would not 
keep your promise. 

Pas. I fear no one. My reason for asking it is because 
I think you are a worthy fellow, and no man but yourself 
shall gain the thousand ducats reward offered for my head. 

Pao. I thank you, that's a capital notion, and the sooner 
you can contrive to spare your head, the more I shall feel 
the obligation. 

Pas. Yes, yes, but I am not going to part with it yet; 
on the contrary, I am deucedly hungry, but it is necessary 
I should know whom to leave it for, when I have no further 
use for this head of mine. 

Pao. Oh ask for the Commander of the party of Briga. 
diers, that made the unsuccessful attack upon you. 

Pas. Oh very well, if that will find you, I am satisfied. 
It was a Brigadier that was my rival with Teresa. Are you 
single ? 

Pao. No, I am a married man. (Aside.) Married to 
Teresa yesterday. 

Pas. Oh then IVe no rivalry to fear from you ; then 
when 1 want you, I'll send for you. 

Pao. I thank you ; but though your wine is excellent, 
and your company is not disagreeable, I shall be glad to 
know when I shall have the pleasure of leaving it .'' 

Pas. As soon as you please. 

Pao. Then you don't intend to make me your prisoner } 

Pas. What do I want with prisoners ? I receive visitors 
now and then, but no prisoners ; when I think it dangerous 
to my self for a man to be at liberty, I always kill him at 
once, I don't take the trouble to keep him prisoner. 



SCENE I.] PASCAL BRUNe. 23 

Pao, Tliat's the shortest way certainly. 

Pas. It's the safest, and least troublesome. 

Pao. But I've got one thing more to ask of you before I 
go ; it is a delicate question I admit, but ^ 

Pits, Well, go on. 

Pao. You won't fly into a passion ? 

Pas. No, why should I ? 

Pao. What I meant is, that when I met you, I had a 
knapsack with me, 

Pas. I know, it is quite safe. 

Pao. I don't doubt it's safety, but there were some 
papers of importance in it. 

Pas. I know there were, a description of my person for 
one thing, to which I have taken the liberty of adding 
** charmed bullet-proof," for the truth of which you may 
yourself be inclined to vouch ; your papers are of no use to 
me, they will be delivered up to you by All. 

Pao. Thank you, that's all I cared for ; and now if you'll 
allow me, I'll wish you good night. 

Pas. Good night. I've a friend waiting for me in ano- 
ther room, and so I don't care how soon you go. 

Pao. Nor I either. (Crosses to L.) 

Pas. One thing I'd better just mention to you, don't 
attempt to go into the court-yard, my dogs would tear you 
to pieces, and eat you by way of 

Pao. Thanks for your warning — good night ! 

Pas. Good night, mind I have promised you the price 
that is set on my head. 

Pao. Don't hurry yourself, but when you've quit done 
with it, the reversion will be very acceptable — Farewell I 

Pas. Farewell? lEa;ewit a. and L , 

SCENE 11.—^ Room in a small Inn, a window at the hack. 
Ejiter Gemma and Teresa, L. 

Geyn. (r.) There have been no tidings that Pascal 
Bruno is taken. 

Ter None as yet, my lady, but my husband, Paolo, has 
gone, at the head of a party of Carbineeis, to endeavour to 
secure him, I hope if they do take him that he will be par- 
doned. 



24 PASCAL BRCNO. [acT II 

Gem. Pardon is more than he can dare tu exj[>ect after 
the alarm to which he subjected me. 

Ter, Oh, my lady, you must try and forgive him, but I 
am getting alarmed for the fate of Paolo. I hope he has not 
fallen into the hands of Bruno. 

Gem. But where is Captain Alterville, our travelling 
companion on our road to the grand ball at the palace of 
Prince Butera ? 

Ter. He is making enquiries about poor Pascal, he talks 
of trying to get the reward that has been offered for his 
life. 

Enter Paolo, L. 

Pao. No one is to have that but myself. 

Ter. Oh, my dear Paolo, are you safe? but you woukJ 
not be 80 ungenerous as to betray your rvvoX ? remember he 
ia your rival no longer. 

Pao. I did not say I meant to betray him ; he made me 
the proposition that if any one got the reward, offered for 
his person I should be the one to receive it. 

Enter Alterville, L. 

Altsr. What's that about receiving a reward? If there's 
any military prize in the case, and there is any difficulty 
about appropriating it — I am a Captain, 

Gem. We were talking of Pascal Bruno. 

Alter, I only wish I could get hold of him. 

Pao, You may have a chance then, for he is in the neigh" 
bourhood. 

Pascal appears at the window and listens. 

Alter. In this neighbourhood is he, let us remain and 
take him and get the reward . 

pao. Not I, I'll join in no scheme of the sort.he behaved 
generously to me, and unless he gives himself voluntarily 
into my hands, my feet shall never stir in pursuit of him. 

Alter. Do as you please, but an officer on half-pay can't 
afford to throw away any chance of bettering his condition. 
I shall stay here and look out for him. (Pascal retires from 
window.) 

Gem, As for myself, I shall pursue my journey, and as 
you, Paolo, have encountered him, you had better go on with 
us to Palermo, and at the ball to night you can give t^ the 



SCENE I-] PASCAL BRUNO. 2r> 

Count Carini, all tiie particulars you know rcBpeoting hui> 
You Captain remain to secure your prize 1 suppose. 

Alter. If he is in this neighbourhood he will n >t escape- 
my vigilance. 

Pao. Take care, Captain, Pascal Bruno, prefers dealing 
with principals, and he takes pretty good care to have the 
advantage all on his own side. 

Alter. Remember he can't take advantage of me — I know 
how to meet him on equal terms. 

Gem. Let us hasten away from this place. I have no 
wish to injure him, and yet, after the threats he used 
to me. 

Alter. I've no wish to do him an injuiT, but I must do 
myself a service ; his head is valued at three-thousand 
ducats, I look at it as a matter of business, and if so large 
a sum is only to be realized at such a sacrilice to him, I 
can only say that I'm sorry for him. 

Paolo, Take care you don't get the worst of it. 
Alter. I can't do that, because if I get anything it will 
be the reward, and that's the best of it. 

Gem. The carriage has been some time prepared, let us 
have no longer delay in reaching Palermo. 

\_Exewit Gemma, Teresa, and Paolo, r. 
Alter. Three thousand ducats is a large sum ; if I could 
only get it, it would save me the trouble of pocketing the 
spoons and forks at every table I dine at, 

Pascal Bruno walks in at the window behind, and stands un- 
seen listening to him. 

I'm afraid they suspect me at Prince Butera's — It really is 
a great bore to men of my extended views to be compelled 
to confine myself to such an insignificant branch of the pro- 
fession. (Takes spoons and forks from his pocket) But use 
is second nature — it comes as natural to me to whip my 
fork into my pocket as soon as I have done with it, as it is 
to that fellow, Pascal Bruno, to put a pistol to the head of 
a traveller, and say 

Pas. ( Tapping him on the shoulder and holding pistol.) 
Stand, or you fall ! 

Alter. Stand, or I fall I Of course, if you can't stand you 
must fall, but pray have mercy. 

Pas. Mercy! you are too pitiful for revenge. 



26 PASCAL BRUNO. [aCT II. 

Alter. Am I ? Then I thank my insignificance. 

Pas, You certainly are indebted to your insignificance 
for safety : but come, you seem terrified, drink from my 
flask, it will give you courage. 

Alter. Oh, if you tell me there is no danger — I shall be 
sure to have plenty of courage. 

Pas. Drink I say, come which do you prefer, this draft, 
{Presenting a Jiask.) or this pill. {Presenting pistol.) 

Alter. As you are so obliging as to insist in prescribing 
for me Fll take the draft. {Takes Jiask and drinks.) How it 
composes me. I say, I said I should wait to take you — can't 
you do something that won't hurt me, to look as if I had 
encountered you — I feel so sleepy. 

Pas. Oh, yes, you shall have something to remind you 
of our meeting. 

Alter. I'm so sleepy — you've given me a composing 
draught — I'm sinking into a sort of something — I can't save 
myself from {He gradually sinks to sleep on a couch.) 

Pas. Just as 1 intended that you should, my fine fellow ; 
. and as you seem to wish for some recollection of our meet- 
ing, you shan't be. disappointed, the effect of the draught I 
have just given him, will not last beyond a minute or so, 
and I have, therefore, no time to lose. {He $uts o^'hls hair 
and whiskers, and shaves off his eyebvows, ^c, during thepre^ 
Ceding speech.) There, that will do, and now to possess my- 
self of the plate he may chance to have in his pockets, for 
as I mean to present myself at the Prince Butera's ball to 
night, I may as well ensure myself a welcome by being able 
to restore part of his property. ( Takes the foi'ks and spoons 
from his pocket.) Now, before I go, to leave him a few 
words of advice, {he writes.) ** Captain, being anxious for 
some token, to bear in mind such an extraordinary person 
as yourself, I have taken from you, what I consider of the 

least value, look in the glass and remember Pascal 

Bruno." There I don't think you will easily forget me, 
and so good night. [Eccit Pascal by the window. 

Alter. {Begins to wake up.) Hallo, where am I i* — Bring 
me another spoon and fork I {Rises.) Hallo, I must have 
been dreaming — I seem to be alone — How's this, n^y forks 
taken out of my pocket } — I've been robbed ! (Goes to the 
table.) What's this, a Jetter ? — I suppose it's*from that fel- 
low, Pascal Bruno. ** Captain, being anxious for some 



SCENE III] PASCAL BRUNO. 27 

token to bear in mind such an extraordinary person as 
yourself," Oh, he flatters me, *' I have taken from you 
what I consider of the least value, look in the glass," What 
am I to look in the glass for ? I shan't And the spoons in 

it I suppose, ** look in your glass and remember Pascal 

Bruno." Well there's no harm in looking in the glass. 
{Goes to Glass.) Why, what's here, or rather, what's not 
here, the villain has actually robbed me of those whiskers 
and moustachios which it has been the aim of a long life to 
cultivate. Oh, the monster, and I am to appear to night 
at a^fancy ball, without my whiskers, mpossible 1 What's a 
half-pay captain without his moustachios. [Exitvi. 

SCENE III. — A very dark Cavern, quite in front of the stage 

Enter Ali and Pascal Bruno, r. 

Pas. Well, done my boy : I should have been «orry to 
have fallen into the hands of traitors, though I have deter- 
mined on giving myself up. 

Alter. You will not do so ? 

Pas. I have received intimation that the soldiers annoy- 
ed at not being able to secure me, have threatened to set 
fire to the village of Bauso, if the inhabitants will not give 
me up, 

Ali. They will refuse. 

Pa^. They do 1 but their property must be saved, those 
who are true and faithful to me, shall not suffer by me. 1 
will surrender, but I have pledged my word not to deliver 
myself to any human being save one, and that is Poalo 
Tommasi. Had I known he had been my rival with Teresa, 
I don't think I should have made such a promise to him ; 
but he is a worthy fellow, and perhaps Teresa was right. 
1 have appointed to meet him here — some one comes, Ali 
you retire. [Exit Ali r. 

Enter Paolo, r. 

Ah, you are here already, it is quite a pleasure to send for 
suoh a punctual man, you did not keep me waiting long. 

Pas. No, I heard you wanted to see me, not that you can 
see me in this dark place ; but I can hear you; what have 
you got to sa^ ? 

Pasy Merely that I promised you once to put thre«- 



28 PASCAL ERUKO. [aCT II. 

thousand ducats in your pocket, and you will now get them 
that's all ! 

Paolo- Is it for that you sent for me hither ? 
Pas. It is ! — Is it not a sufficient reward ? 
Paolo. I'd rather get three thousand ducats by other 
means. 

Pas, Why ? 

Paolo. Because I would, and what's more— I won't take 
you! 

Pa.9. Then you'll find me break my word, for some one 
else will. 

Paolo. Then some one else may, for I won't I 
Pas. You sought my life once ? 
Paolo. And I should again in a fair and open way. 
Pas* I promised you should have the reward for my 
head. 

Paolo. Your head is not your own — its public property 
— Its long ago forfeited to the laws, and if I were to do as 
you wish, I should be taking that from you which you have 
no right to dispose of ; besides, from what I hear, the 
Countess Gemma has relaxed in her severity towards you. 
F^s. What's that to do with the reward } 
Poalo. Why if they begin to think better of you, they 
won't pay such a high price for you ; it is only your most 
atrocious criminals that the world sets a high value upon. 

Pas. Then had you not better take me at once while my 
crimes are at a premium ? But stay, shall you be at the 
Prince Butera's ball? 
Paolo. I shall ! 

Pas. I have a small account to settle with the Prince 
and we can meet there. 

Paolo. If you like to be mad enough to venture, you'll 
find plenty there who will save me the trouble of giving 
you up. 

Pas. I have promised that none but yourself shall have 
that privilege ; but farewell till to night at the ball. 
Paolo. As you will, — at the ball. 

lExeunt di^erentways. 
» 

SCENE Y.-^TkeBallRoo?n, 

Prince Butera, Count Carini, Gemma, Teresa, Guests^ S^c. 



SCINE v.] PASCAL RRUxVO. 29 

discovered. Grand Ballet. — At the end of it Captain. 
Alterville comes forward with a handkerchief round his 
face. Prince Butera a?id Countess Gemma come forward. 
Enter Pascal Bruno, r. 

A/l. Pascal Bruno 1 
Prince Oh, what brings you here? 

Pas. In the first 'place, Prince, here are three -hundred 
ounces of gold you were good enough to lend me ; the Inn 
which was burnt down, is rebuilt, the money has been re- 
paid. (Bows.) In the next place. Prince, I have brought 
you eight silver forks and spoons, upon which you arms 
and cipher were engraved, which I presume to have been 
stolen from your Excellency by Captain Alterville, inasmuch 
as I found them stuffed in that gallant officer's pocket, and 
now I am your prisoner. (To Paolo.) 

Gem. {To Prince Carini.) My dear Prince, some time 
ago, I implored you to pursue Pascal Bruno with your 
vengeance. 

Count. What more can you desire, he is now in your 
power. 

Gem. But one thing more — his pardon I 
Prince. If you will pardon him, and he will accept the 
I offer I once made him of a commission, he may become 
I as useful to his country, as he has been hitherto dangerous. 
I Pas. I accept your generous offer, and will endeavour by 
my zeal in your service, to make all around forget the 
I faults of Pascal Bruno. 
I 

I DISPOSITION OF CHARACTERS. 

G^'ESTS. GUESTS. 

PASCAL. COUNTESS 



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